Haeran Ryu maintained a two-shot lead at the Black Desert Championship after holing out for eagle on the 11th hole Saturday, carding a 4-under 68. This marks the LPGA Tour's return to Utah following a gap of more than 60 years.
Ryu seeks a win for the seventh straight year, a streak that began when she competed as an 18-year-old on the Korea LPGA.
Her closest competitor is Ruoning Yin, who posted a tournament-best 62 at Black Desert, recording 10 birdies. Her strong round moved her within two shots of the lead.
Ryu began the day with a two-shot advantage. Players briefly tied her position twice during the round.
Somi Lee was one player who briefly caught Ryu with early birdies before her round faltered. Lee double-bogeyed No. 6 and did not make another birdie until the final hole.
Esther Henseleit of Germany also briefly tied Ryu. However, from 82 yards on the 11th fairway, the 24-year-old Korean struck a wedge shot that found the cup for an eagle. Henseleit later made a birdie putt on the 17th to get within one shot but made a double bogey on the 18th after hitting her drive into lava rocks. Henseleit finished with a 68 and stands three shots behind.
Ryu's total score stands at 18-under 198. She recently shared the 54-hole lead at the Chevron Championship last week before a final round 76. Her last win in 2024 came at the FM Championship, also a tournament making its tour debut.
Yin was eight shots back at the start of the day. Her 62 was posted around the time the final group reached the turn. Yin lost a chance to win the Chevron last week, three-putting in a five-way playoff.
Starting times for the final round Sunday have been moved forward due to rain forecast in the area.
